As a lifelong action movie enthusiast who has witnessed the rise and fall of various directors in the genre, I can confidently say that Renny Harlin’s return to high-octane cinema with The Beast is a welcome sight for fans of ’80s and ’90s action flicks. The film’s roster, including Samuel L. Jackson, Joel Kinnaman, and Guy Burnet, promises an exhilarating ride that will undoubtedly remind us of the good old days.
Renny Harlin, in the past, was seen as a promising successor to the dynamic ’80s action cinematography orchestrated by John McTiernan, Joel Silver, and Shane Black. Therefore, the announcement of the Cliffhanger and Die Hard 2 director making a comeback to adrenaline-fueled cinema with The Beast is thrilling for action enthusiasts who were captivated by Harlin’s free-spirited approach to filmmaking during their childhood.
In the movie titled “The Beast“, Harllin works with Samuel L. Jackson once again, a collaboration that began on the precursor to shark-exploitation flicks, “Deep Blue Sea“, and the legendary Christmas film, “The Long Kiss Goodnight“. The cast also features Joel Kinnaman, who stood out in “Suicide Squad“, and Guy Burnet from the upcoming film “Oppenheimer“. Speaking to Deadline, Harlin shared:
Sam isn’t just a familiar face on the screen, but also a cherished friend, and working together for another thrilling adventure has left me absolutely amazed. Joel Kinnaman is another captivating actor and a valued friend too. Occasionally, a fresh new voice in writing emerges, and Umair Aleem’s script is overflowing with unique action sequences and characters that are deeply emotional. I can sense that this team is cooking up something truly extraordinary…
In “The Beast,” director Harlan finds a fitting playground for his mix of absurdity and self-important action sequences. The movie derives its title from the heavily armed and fortified presidential limousine, known as ‘The Beast.’ In this armored vehicle, actor Jackson portrays the President who is under siege by a group of rebellious militia leaders seeking power. However, they soon discover that messing with the President’s car is a big mistake – perhaps it bears the message “Bad Motherfucker.
The Renny Harlin Touch
Harlin is renowned for his hands-on stunt and special effects, which give a tangible feel to his high-octane scenes compared to the flat backdrops of some of his peers in the industry. The stunt resume for “Cliffhanger” resembles a Willy Wonka liability release form, suggesting that Harlin prioritizes authenticity and realism when it comes to action and locations in his movies, as he mentioned about the upcoming “Cliffhanger” sequel:
I believe it would be more authentic for the film if they could actually film on-site, as I feel that capturing the genuine essence of the movie requires a sense of realism.
As I stepped onto the movie set for the very first time, it was a relief not to need to reconstruct the whole landscape destroyed by John Lithgow’s over-the-top villain, who seemed to have quite an appetite for scenery!
As a longtime movie critic, I’ve seen my fair share of ups and downs in the world of filmmaking, and none more so than with director Stephen Sommers. Despite facing criticism from both critics and audiences over the past two decades, his unwavering dedication to his craft has kept him a consistent presence in the industry since the glory days of ’80s and ’90s action flicks.
As of now, there’s no confirmed release date for “The Beast”. On the other hand, “The Strangers: Chapter 2”, directed by Harlin, is slated for a 2025 release.
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2024-11-16 01:31